A 70-YEAR-OLD specialist glass maker looks set to build on its strong resurgence after winning a major five-year contract to supply parts for a flagship train building scheme.

Romag, in Consett, County Durham, will make glass for Hitachi Rail Europe's high speed trains for the Government's Intercity Express Programme.

Hitachi will build more than 860 carriages at its new factory in Newton Ayciffe, County Durham, which is due to open in 2016, guaranteeing 730 jobs until 2020.

Last month, the company won a £1.2bn Government contract to build 270 carriages, which follows an initial order for 596 carriages placed last year to bring train building back to the cradle of the railways.

Bosses at Romag say it will start delivering parts in spring 2014, and revealed the company could create new jobs due to increased demand.

The contract to supply glass for the class 800 and 801 models is a huge boost for Romag, who, in 2011, was on the brink of administration.

Its shares were briefly suspended from trading on the Stock Exchange after it emerged its ex-chairman had made a £3.97m payment to one of the firm's divisions without informing the board.

However, Wearside housing developer Gentoo saved the firm and it has since continued to strengthen its position in the region.

It assembles solar photovoltaic panels at its Leadgate Industrial Estate factory and invested £1.5m in a new production line and took on 20 workers in 2011 to speed up production and help rebuild its reputation.

It also makes bullet-proof and blast-resistant glass and specialises in a range of transport glass, including orders for trains, military and aid agency vehicles and limousines.

Last month, Hitachi gave passengers the first glimpse of its North-East built super express trains, whose interiors have been designed by British firm, DCA Design International.

Hitachi's 125mph trains will have between five and nine carriages, with interiors featuring wood veneers on the ends of the carriage and across tables, and its first class sections distinguishable through use of darker materials.

Keith Jordan, Hitachi Rail Europe, managing director, said: “When it came to the design of the interior of the super express, Hitachi was particularly keen to create an environment that would be a pleasure for passengers to travel in.

“We picked DCA because they bring extensive experience with design projects that will add to the journey experience.”